National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

What physiological change is responsible for decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk that occur with aging?

1. Osteopenia

2. Osteoporosis

3. Arthritis

4. Sarcopenia

The correct answer is: Osteopenia

The correct response involves osteopenia, which is characterized by a decrease in bone mass as a natural part of the aging process. This condition indicates that bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. As individuals age, the balance between bone resorption (the process of breaking down bone) and bone formation shifts, leading to reduced overall bone mass. This can increase the risk of fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones. Osteoporosis, while closely related, represents a more severe stage of bone density loss compared to osteopenia. It reflects a greater decrease in bone mass and a higher risk of fractures. Therefore, while osteoporosis also explains decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, osteopenia specifically refers to the early phase of this process. Arthritis involves the degeneration of joint cartilage and surrounding tissues, affecting joint function and not directly related to bone mass. Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging, which impacts mobility and stability but does not directly describe changes in bone density or the associated fracture risk. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why osteopenia is the appropriate term in this context, as it focuses directly on the physiological aspects of bone density changes with aging.